Have You Seen Us?

By Tameka Garrett, Atlanta Dream Community Relations Manager

Over 40 girls took part in a shooting clinic with theAtlanta Hawks that featured the Dream.NBAE

Well, it’s been about two months and we have hit the pavement running with meetings, community visits, brainstorming, you name it and it’s basically been done ALREADY! National Girls and Women’s Day was a SUCCESS! We had over 80 girls from Girl’s Inc. participate in drills with team ambassadors Carla McGhee and Rushia Brown. The Atlanta Dream were featured in a basketball shooting clinic with the Atlanta Hawks. There were more than 40 girls in attendance for this event learning fundamental shooting from basketball greats. Shout-out to the AAU team...Atlanta Flames!! They have twins on their team that we just may see playing college b-ball soon and they are only in high school!

We have been everywhere and “…ain’t no stopping us now!” March is a packed month. It’s READING Month! Hello!! Read to Achieve. This Friday, Atlanta Dream Ambassador Rushia Brown will be at the Children’s Museum with local athletes celebrating the National Education Association’s Dr. Seuss day. After the Museum, Rushia and I will be going to Cobb County to Brumby Elementary to do a “Reading Timeout”. We will be everywhere in March from the Hunger Walk at Turner Field on March 2, Grady Hospital’s blood drive on March 19 and traveling all the way to South Carolina for Converse College’s first annual Girl’s Day. That evening we will even be at the local Boys and Girls Club. Check us out at the ING race. Our staff will be at the handing out water. Yes, if it is up to me, we will be everywhere doing everything!

Note, to those reading this: Later on next week, you will have the opportunity to participate with our “Dream for Babies” team at the March of Dimes walk on Saturday, April 26, at Atlanta Station. We are CHALLENGING the Los Angeles Sparks to see who can get the most dedication for this walk in their city and I let the Sparks know we got this one in the bag! The cost for participation with our team is only $25 with a fundraising goal of $200 per walker. That’s pretty much it. You will get a t-shirt, a ticket to the March of Dimes’ Celebration game on Sunday, June 22, at 3 p.m vs. the Detroit Shock and a donation from registration will go to March of Dimes. Please call Jimmelle Melvin for ticket information. BEAT L.A.!

Okay, speaking of Detroit, I have had the pleasure of speaking one of our most anticipated players… IVORY LATTA! She is so EXCITED to play for the Dream in “A,” getting out in the community, and being closer to home. Ivory, a South Carolina native and former UNC star is the type of player that is READY for some action! Currently, she is overseas in Israel but counting the days until she gets to the States. Here are some snippets from a conversation we had this week:

Tameka: Ivory, so what is the first thing you are going to do when you get back to the States?

Ivory: The first thing I am going to do when I return to the States is enjoy some American food, especially my mother's home-cooked meals. I cannot wait to eat my favorite strawberry banana pudding that she always makes for me. Afterwards, I plan to spend quality time with my family. I’m looking forward to spending time with my five-year-old nephew, my little pride and joy. He tells me every day to come home so he can beat me in basketball.

Tameka: How would you describe yourself on the court? Off the court?

Ivory: I am a fierce competitor on the court. I am focused and determined to do whatever I need to do for my team. Off-the-court, I am quite humorous and I enjoy having a good time. I love to make the people around me smile. I just enjoy every moment of life and I always thank GOD for letting me see another day.

Tameka: What has your experience been like playing overseas? What will you miss about Israel?

Ivory: The experience I have had overseas has been a blessing. I feel as though the multi-cultural experience has made me more diverse and able to see the cultures of others. It has also made me appreciate everything that I have. I will miss my teammates so much because I have enjoyed every moment with them. My teammates have taught me a lot of Hebrew words and have also laughed at me when I did not say them right. I will miss being on and off the court with them and they really made my overseas experience great.

Tameka: What are you most looking forward to as a new member of the Dream?

Ivory: The thing that I am looking forward to as a member of the Dream is being able to play with great players and having a successful basketball team. I am also looking forward to playing in front of the best WNBA crowd and putting smiles on people faces.

Tameka: Have you met or talked to any of your new teammates?

Dream Head Coach/GM Marynell Meadors with GeorgiaGovernor Sonny Perdue on National Girls and Women inSports Day.NBAE

Ivory: I have not had the opportunity of talking to my new teammates, but I am sure when I do it will be great.

Tameka: Both the UNC men's and women's teams are currently ranked in the top 5 in the country. Do you still keep up with your former Tar Heel teammates?

Ivory: Oh Yes, I keep up with the Tar Heels all the time. I am a Tar Heel at heart. I bleed Carolina Blue. Yes, I keep up with the former Tar Heels. Some of my former teammates are also playing overseas and a couple of them have coach jobs. We encourage each other and send personal blessings of success to one another.

Tameka: When do you expect to be in Atlanta?

Ivory: I expect to be in Atlanta as soon as possible. I am really excited about coming to Atlanta.

Tameka: What is the first tourist spot you want to go to in Atlanta?

Ivory: The first tourist spot I would love to revisit when I get to Atlanta would be all of the Martin Luther King, Jr. sites. Martin Luther King had a dream and so did I. His dream was accomplished and hopeful ours will be too in Atlanta.

Tameka: Who is your favorite NBA player? Umm… actually I think I know that answer. Would it be Bad News’ (Newport News, VA) own... Allen Iverson?

Ivory: Allen Iverson is definitely my favorite player. His ability to play basketball will reign indefinitely over the sport of basketball. The passion that he plays with is exactly how I play.

Tameka: Which NBA team are you impressed with this year? Who do you think will go all the way?

Ivory: The team that has impressed me this year would be the New Orleans Hornets. I enjoy watching their point guard Chris Paul. I think the Pistons will go all the way.

Tameka: Have you been to Atlanta before? I know you mentioned you are related to Atlanta’s own Ludacris? How are you related?

Ivory: I have been to Atlanta many times. I have played in numerous tournaments and have visited family members in Atlanta. Even though Ludacris is not a family member of mine, I am one of his biggest fans. I had the opportunity of meeting Ludacris and I was way too excited and I enjoyed every moment of it. I know for sure that he’s a Ivory Latta fan haha lol.

Tameka: What are you passionate about when it comes to the community?

Ivory: When it comes to the community I am very passionate about children receiving education and taking it seriously. All children should understand the effects of education and how it can influence their mobility once they are older. Education call allow students to experience freedom which is the most vital element to education.

Tameka: Any shout-outs?

Ivory: I would like to give a shout-out to all of the people in Atlanta. I would also like to give a shout-out to my family, friends and my Tar Heel family.